Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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Question 293: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he intends to make a decision on the application submitted to him from the roads authority for the carrying out of a programme of archaeological works and mitigation measures in regard to the proposed route of the M3 through the Tara/Skryne valley; if his attention has been drawn to the serious concerns expressed by archaeological experts at the implications of the proposed route; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4091/05]

Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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An Bord Pleanála, which has an independent statutory mandate, is responsible under the Roads Act 1993 for the approval of motorway schemes following an assessment of the environmental impact of the proposal. In the case of the M3 motorway, the process involved a detailed environmental impact assessment, in which archaeological considerations and other factors were extensively addressed, and a lengthy public oral hearing, which was conducted by the board. Following this process the motorway scheme, including the route of the proposed M3, was approved by An Bord Pleanála in August 2003.

Under the National Monuments (Amendment) Act 2004, once a motorway scheme has been approved by An Bord Pleanála, any associated archaeological works that are to be undertaken in connection with the approved road must be carried out in accordance with directions issued by the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, following consultation with the director of the National Museum of Ireland. This procedure is designed to ensure that appropriate standards apply to the carrying out of archaeological works in connection with an approved road development.

In the case of the M3 motorway, an application for the carrying out of a programme of archaeological works and mitigation measures on a portion of the route has been made by the road authority to my Department and is at present being considered. I have seen much media coverage and received various representations in regard to this scheme. These offer a variety of views from a range of parties, both on archaeological issues and the need for the scheme to proceed. However, as I have indicated, the statutory role of the Minister relates solely to the regulation of the archaeological works associated with the proposed development.

In determining the matter, I will receive advice from the archaeological staff of my Department and I will also, in accordance with the Act, consult with the director of the National Museum of Ireland before directions are issued. I intend that a decision on the matter will be made as soon as possible.